It was not highly publicised, or publicised at all for that matter, but Malta has signed on to the American-led coalition against the Islamic State.

Numerous nations have provided varying levels of backing in the form of military equipment, aid and political support. It is unclear, however, what exactly constitutes being a member of the coalition and how many nations have signed up.

In his speech to the United Nations on Wednesday morning, US President Barack Obama said, "Already, over 40 nations have offered to join this coalition."

But on Tuesday, Secretary of State John Kerry said more than 50 nations have agreed to join the coalition. And in a document released by the State Department on Tuesday, 62 nations (including the European Union and the Arab League) are listed as providing support to the US-led coalition.

The strongest allies in the coalition are those providing air support while others are offering delivery services and some are providing humanitarian aid.

Malta was, in fact, listed on the State Department's list as a coalition supporter and while it is doubtful that it is lending military or humanitarian assistance to the cause, Malta's commitment is most likely of a political nature.

Questions sent to the Office of the Prime Minister on the matter were not answered by the time of going to print yesterday.

On the State Department's list, Malta is listed as a nation with an unspecified commitment, along with Andorra, Bosnia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Tunisia and Ukraine.